Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the decadent creaminess of cheesecake, all topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. Thanks to their elegant layers and familiar flavors, these bars make an irresistible dessert for fall gatherings, potlucks, or any time you crave a crowd-pleasing treat. Easy to slice and serve, they’re a stress-free alternative to traditional cheesecake or pie.
Why Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Are a Must-Try
This recipe is the ultimate fusion of sweet caramel, tart apples, and rich cheesecake—all in a convenient bar form. The contrast between the buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake center, juicy apples, and crumbly streusel topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that satisfy every dessert lover.
Perfecting the Apple Cheesecake Filling
The cheesecake layer stays smooth and velvety while baked apple pieces lend a gentle tartness and burst of juiciness in every bite. By tossing the apples in cinnamon and a touch of sugar before layering, you’ll enhance their natural flavor and infuse the filling with a warm, seasonal spice. For best results, use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance.
How to Assemble Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Begin with a quick shortbread crust, then layer on the creamy cheesecake filling. Top with cinnamon-sugar apples and a generous sprinkling of buttery streusel. Bake until golden and, once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce. For dense, easy-to-slice bars, chill thoroughly before cutting.
Serving Suggestions for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. For an extra flourish, plate with a swirl of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Pair with coffee or hot apple cider for a comforting finish to any meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 12 decadent bars. Each serving has roughly 320-370 calories, depending on the amount of caramel used. Moderation is key—these bars are meant to be a special treat!
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes; set aside.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix until just combined. Spread evenly over baked crust.
- Mix apple layer: Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Scatter evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare streusel topping: Stir together oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add melted butter until combined and crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of apples.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and topping is golden. Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing (preferably overnight for clean cuts).
- Finish and serve: Drizzle chilled bars with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving, if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect addition to your weekly dessert lineup or when planning for entertaining. Save and schedule this recipe to simplify your weekly meal planning, automatically consolidate overlapping ingredients, and generate organized grocery lists.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total ingredient amounts for all recipes in your plan
- Creates one master grocery list, sorted by store section
- Helps you avoid forgotten ingredients or buying duplicates
- Makes prepping for gatherings or busy weeks much more efficient
Pro tip: Plan multiple recipes that use apples, oats, or cream cheese at once—CookifyAI will tally up all you need, keeping your kitchen organized and reducing food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus at least 2 hours chilling)
